What do Monarch Caterpillars eat?

What do Monarch Caterpillars eat?

What do Monarch Caterpillars eat? Your learning all you can about Monarch’s and I am SOOOO freaking excited for you! Knowing all you can before you start raising these amazing creatures is so important!!

***** Disclaimer: I am not a scientist and in no way claim to be the knower of all things Monarch. I am simply sharing the knowledge I have gained from hours and hours of research, and my own experience. I always encourage everyone to do their own research from multiple different resources*****

Missouri Native Milkweed

While there is a wide variety of different Milkweed species, there are 3 that are Native to Missouri. It is important to choose plants that are Native to your area, because those are the pants that will thrive the most. The 3 Missouri Natives are; Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) , Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnate), and Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa).

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) this species grows into a large bushy plant. Its leaves are long and narrow. The Butterfly Milkweed is known for its bright orange flowers, it is one of the very few Native plants that have orange blooms. It is spread by seeds, and is commonly planted by Native planters for the Monarchs. This species of Milkweed prefers dry to moist soil, and does well through the drought times.

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnate) typically grows to be 2-4 ft tall. This milkweed blooms from June-October and its blooms are blight pink color. Swamp Milkweed leaves are narrow and long and come to a point. This plant prefers a wet area, but as long as it is water daily it can thrive in a drier area. It spreads by its seeds.

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), as guessed by its name, is the most common! It is also the most easy to spot. This plant is very tall typically growing from 3-5 feet and has broad leafs. Common milkweed, when blooms, is a light pink/purple in color. Bloom time is between June-August. It is easily spread by it’s seeds or rhizomes (rhizomes are where the plants spreads by its root system.) This plant prefers moist areas. When feeding hungry little Monarch Caterpillars Common Milkweeds broad leaves will feed more than the other two species.

Be sure to check out all our Monarch Butterfly Blogs!! https://rebeccachapmanphotography.com/category/monarch-butterflies/

Another Great Resource : Monarch Butterfly Garden